PBRPolarized Beam Reflectometer

This cold neutron instrument is used to study materials of interest in surface and
interfacial science, including magnetic multilayers, polymer films, and artificial biological membranes.
PBR is most commonly used for specular neutron reflectometry, a technique sensitive to the depth profiles
of the nuclear composition and the vector magnetization in thin films and multilayers. For magnetic samples,
the option to use a spin polarized neutron beam allows for clear distinction between magnetic and structural
contributions to the scattering. For non-magnetic samples deposited on a ferromagnetic reference layer,
non-invasive contrast variation can be achieved by switching the spin state of the polarized beam - a
technique that can enhance sensitivity to the compostional profile.

Closed-cycle refrigerators, cryostats, magnets, and liquid cells are available for control of sample
environment. On-site x-ray reflectometry is available for additional sample characterization. If you are
interested in performing an experiment, apply for beamtime, or contact one of the instrument scientists
directly. Monetary assistance may be available for new facility users.